Kyle Michel, a Shepparton local, edged out a decent field to win the 2015 Country Championships at Gardiners' Run Golf Course today. Kyle impressed with a final round 68 (4 under) to go with his first round 73 for a 141 total. Michel managed to clinch the title by a mere shot from three players including State Team member Andrew Schonewille (Rosebud), Nathan Buzimkic (The Dunes) & Greg Wilson (Cerberus).
After starting from the 10th tee, Kyle made four birdies in a row on holes 17, 18, 1 & 2. Seven remaining par’s was good enough for the 19 year old to take out one of his biggest win’s yet.
Overall scoring was better for Round 2 with the average score of just over 78.
The course & hospitality at Gardiners Run has been tremendous over the two days, with many compliments from the players. The Country Championship takes a new look in 2016 with the event to move to the country side and to be played on the weekend in late February. Next year’s hosts are Bright & Myrtleford.
Players now gear up to tackle the busy team match play schedule over the next three days across the Metropolitan area. Fifteen districts will battle across three divisions with the final round played on Friday morning. Can Ballarat achieve three straight Shield titles after wins in 2013 & 2014? Only time will tell.